How to Prepare Your Dog for Boarding Kennels

Leaving Your Dog in Boarding Kennels: A Donegal Owner’s Guide

If you’re heading away and can’t take your dog, choosing the right boarding kennel gives peace of mind that your beloved pet is safe and well cared for. Here’s what you need to know, plus a comprehensive list of Donegal’s boarding kennels with up-to-date contact details.

How to Prepare Your Dog for Boarding

1. Choose a Reputable Kennel

• Visit beforehand if possible. Look for cleanliness, secure fencing, caring staff, and clear policies about vaccinations and daily routines.
  
• Always check your dog’s vaccinations (including kennel cough) are current—kennels will require proof.
  
  

2. Packing Checklist

• Bring their usual food (label portions if needed), favourite blanket or toy, and any medication—clearly marked.
  
  
• Let the kennel know about any special needs, allergies, or behaviours.
  
  
• Provide up-to-date contact details.
  
  

3. Before Their Stay

• Take your dog for a walk before drop-off to help them relax.
  
  
• Allow time at drop-off for a calm goodbye—don’t rush, but keep it positive.
  
  

4. During Their Stay

• Most good kennels allow you to check in for updates via phone or social media. Some share photos or daily notes.
  

When you can’t bring your dog, well-run kennels across Donegal can give you peace of mind and your pet a caring temporary home, so your holiday is enjoyable for everyone—on two legs and four!

Quick Tips for Kennel Success

• Book early—summer holidays fill up fast.
  
  
• Make a list for drop-off: food, medication, emergency contact, vaccination record.
  
  
• Try an overnight “test” stay if your dog is nervous.
  
  
• Ask about updates while you’re away.

Don, list of Boarding Kennels, Contact them to see if they want an ad.

Donegal Boarding Kennels: Names & Contact Details

Below is a list of boarding kennels in County Donegal. If you operate a kennel not listed here, please get in touch so you can be added to this guide.

1. Donegal Four Paws Boarding Kennels & Cattery (Kilmacrennan)

• Address: Prucklish, Termon, Kilmacrennan, Co. Donegal, F92 XA37
• Phone: 086 869 9664
• Website: donegalfourpaws.ie
• Notes: Family-run, All Ireland national award winning, daily walks, heated indoor kennels, grooming and daycare available, approved by Irish Boarding Kennels & Cattery Association.
  
  

2. Amanda’s Kennels and Cattery (Letterkenny)

• Phone: 086 100 5930
• Email: info@amandaskennelsandcattery.com
• Website: amandaskennelsandcattery.com/contact-donegal-kennels/
• Notes: Family operated, secure and cosy environment for dogs and cats34.
  
  

3. Lakeside Kennels & Cattery (Dungloe)

• Contact: Mickey Forde
• Phone: 087 236 8386
• Email: lakesidekennelsdungloe@gmail.com
• Website: lakesidekennels.ie
• Notes: State-of-the-art facility, personal care, collection & delivery available, closed Sundays for drop-off/pickup..
  
  

4. Mountainview Boarding Kennels (Letterkenny)

• Phone 087 698 0897 or 0872952462
• Address: Carrick Treantagh, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
• Notes: Family environment, recommended in local directories.
  
  

5. Kilross Boarding Kennels (Ballybofey)

• Phone 086 357 2769
• Location: Lower, Tivockmoy, Co. Donegal, F93 NR27
• Notes: Gets good reviews

6. Swillyvalley Boarding Kennels & Cattery (Burnfoot/Lifford)

• Phone: (074) 936 8145
• Location: Elaghbeg, Burnfoot, Lifford, F93 DR90, Co. Donegal
• Notes: Facilities for both dogs and cats.
  
  

7. Glenview Kennels (Clonmany)

• Phone: 087 698 0897
• Location: Cloontagh, Clonmany, Lifford, F93 V064, Co. Donegal
• Notes: 20 kennels with attached covered runs, licensed for up to 30 dogs, established facility.
  

If your kennel is missing from this list, please send your details to keep so we can keep Donegal’s pet owners informed.